If you’re looking for a cozy, fuss-free meal that has the power to turn any busy night into a comforting family gathering, you have to try this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Bursting with chunks of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a fragrant broth that gently hugs every ingredient together, this stew is the ultimate answer to chilly evenings or whenever you crave something deeply satisfying. Each spoonful is deliciously simple, warming, and makes you want to go back for seconds—if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is that every ingredient plays a starring role, working together for a perfectly balanced bowl of comfort. These pantry staples are easy to find, yet each brings unique flavor, body, and color to your stew, making it richly textured and truly satisfying.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Cut into chunks, chicken delivers succulent bites and is perfect for pressure cooking, staying juicy and tender.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle, fruity richness and helps sauté your aromatics for maximum flavor depth.
- Onion: The base for that classic stew aroma; softens into sweet, invisible richness as it cooks.
- Garlic: Just a hint packs big flavor and brings warming undertones that mingle beautifully with herbs.
- Carrots: For a pop of color, gentle sweetness, and velvety texture when cooked until just tender.
- Celery: Adds an earthy note and delicious crunch that stands up in the stew.
- Baby potatoes: Their creamy insides soak up the broth and turn buttery-soft under pressure.
- Salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning duo, brightening and tying all the flavors together.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs infuse the stew with a savory, woodsy fragrance—it feels like a stroll through a garden!
- Paprika: For gentle warmth and a beautiful golden hue in your final dish.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and a touch of umami, rounding out the savory flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The liquid gold that brings everything together and forms the stew’s hearty base.
- Cornstarch + water (optional): Use this slurry if you love your stew extra thick and luscious.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh burst of color and brightness at the end.
How to Make Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
Start by selecting Sauté mode on your Instant Pot. Drizzle in the olive oil, then toss in the onions. Let them soften for 2–3 minutes until they’re sweet and irresistible. Add in the garlic for just 30 seconds—it’ll become fragrant quickly! Next, stir in the tomato paste and add your chicken chunks. Brown them for about 3–4 minutes; this step seals in extra flavor and gives the stew a wonderful base.
Step 2: Build the Stew Base
Once your chicken is lightly browned, invite the carrots, celery, and baby potatoes to the party along with the salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Pour in all of that golden chicken broth and give everything a gentle but thorough stir. At this point, your stew will already smell amazing!
Step 3: Pressure Cook for Perfection
Cancel Sauté mode, secure the Instant Pot lid, and set your valve to Sealing. Set the pot to cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. As the magic happens inside, the flavors mingle and the vegetables soften to perfection. When the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any lingering steam. This makes sure the chicken stays juicy and the potatoes keep their tender bite.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you’re in the mood for an extra hearty finish to your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew, set Sauté mode back on and stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes and marvel as your stew thickens to a luxurious texture that clings to every spoonful.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Ladle the hot stew into bowls, then scatter chopped parsley over the top for an instant hit of freshness and color. Now, gather everyone around the table—dinner is ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Garnishes
The finishing touches make this dish truly special. A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens up each bowl but also gives a gentle lift to those rich, savory flavors. For a touch of extra flair, you can grate a little Parmesan over each serving, or add a dollop of sour cream for contrast—it’s entirely up to your mood and fridge contents!
Side Dishes
This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is fantastic on its own, but if you want to go all out, serve it with a crusty slice of bread to soak up the broth, a buttery biscuit on the side, or a simple tossed salad for extra freshness. If you love connecting flavors, try pairing it with roasted green beans or a quick lemony slaw for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your stew into a showstopper by serving it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch, or portion it in mini cocotte dishes for impressive individual servings at your next dinner party. For family gatherings, bring the whole Instant Pot insert right to the table and let everyone help themselves—it’s casual, interactive, and guaranteed to spark conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew are a real treat because the flavors deepen and meld overnight. Cool the stew completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You’ll love how the stew keeps its texture and gets even tastier with time.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions for easy future lunches or dinners, simply let the stew cool, then scoop it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It keeps well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use your microwave’s defrost setting for a quick fix.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the stew gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. Alternatively, pop a portion into the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. The velvety texture and savory flavor will be just as irresistible as the day it was made!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, both chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully here—thighs stay juicier, but breasts turn wonderfully tender during pressure cooking. Use what you have or mix both for extra texture.
What vegetables can I add for more variety?
Feel free to get creative! Try swapping in parsnips, sweet potatoes, or add green beans or peas at the end for color and crunch. The recipe is flexible, making it perfect for cleaning out your vegetable drawer.
How can I make this stew dairy-free or gluten-free?
This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written—just double-check that your chicken broth and all seasoning additions are labeled gluten-free for certainty.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! The recipe doubles well in a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot. Just be mindful not to exceed the pot’s maximum fill line and allow for a slightly longer pressure build and release time, but otherwise, cook as directed.
Is it possible to make this without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. You can replicate these flavors in a Dutch oven or large pot—simply sauté as directed, then simmer everything gently until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. It might take a bit longer, but the result is just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is pure comfort in a bowl—easy to make, wonderfully customizable, and guaranteed to gather everyone around the table. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or have loved your Instant Pot for years, give this recipe a try and let it warm both your kitchen and your heart!
Print
Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus pressure build/release)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the stew:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (halved)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste, then add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add carrots, celery, potatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Cancel Sauté mode, secure the lid, and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, turn Sauté mode back on and stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- This stew gets better as it sits, making it a great make-ahead meal.
- You can swap chicken for turkey or add green beans or peas at the end for extra color and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
